Who's in line for Ireland job?

BRIAN Kerr's reign as Republic of Ireland manager was ended after officials finally decided not to renew his contract. Speculation had surrounded Kerr's future with the Football Association of Ireland doing little to calm the situation.

BRIAN Kerr's reign as Republic of Ireland manager was ended after officials finally decided not to renew his contract. Speculation had surrounded Kerr's future with the Football Association of Ireland doing little to calm the situation.

But failure to qualify for next summer's World Cup - or even reach the play-offs - Kerr's time at the helm was brought to an end.

Here, we look at the contenders to replace him.

MARTIN O'NEILL

The former Celtic boss has been linked with the job, with the FAI reported to favour O'Neill as the future manager. However, it is not known whether O'Neill is available after he left Celtic in late May to care of his ill wife Geraldine. O'Neill is yet to react to the links with the job, unlike David O'Leary, who has already stressed that he will remain in club management. However, the Aston Villa boss reported that if he was approached in the future, he would consider taking the post.

ROY KEANE

The 34-year-old, who recently retired from Republic of Ireland playing duties has only O'Leary and O'Neill ahead of him in the bookmakers' running. Inspirational and fiery Manchester United captain Keane is yet to react to the news, but has already rubbished rumours that he could coach at United in the near future.

Keane's contract expires at Old Trafford at the end of the season, and he is rumoured to be travelling to Scottish title contenders Celtic.

SIR BOBBY ROBSON

The 72-year-old former England manager has also been linked with the job, but has denied any talks regarding a return to international football, saying he believed that the Republic of Ireland already had a very good manager in Brian Kerr.